Good day!

Below is a joint statement from Persons with Disabilities and fellow advocates that condemns in the strongest possible terms the remarks of Congressman Bayani Fernando against Persons with Disabilities in an interview broadcasted online last 28 January 2021 (click here to watch the video). 

Join us in demanding for respect and accountability from government officials like Fernando. Please sign this petition or email us on or before March 01, 2021 via advocatesofinclusion@gmail.com to add your voice to our campaign. Thank you!

Persons With Disabilities Condemn Bayani Fernando for Discrimination
 
The Sector of Persons with Disabilities deplores Bayani Fernando’s calloused and condescending remarks against Persons with Disabilities during an interview with the Broadcaster’s Forum Online last January 28. The likes of him do not deserve to be in any position in the government as he openly disregards people’s rights to decent living.

Fernando’s bias against Persons with Disabilities is historical, consistent, and active. As Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson, he led the establishment of several footbridges across Metro Manila that lacked access facilities such as ramps and elevators. Currently, Marikina Representative Fernando opposes “People Mobility Programs” in Congress such as the EDSA Busway program and proposals for at-grade pedestrian crossings that will make the Busway more accessible to all commuters, not just persons with disabilities.

In the January 28 interview, Fernando argued that there was no space or funds available for the installation and/or construction of access facilities such as ramps or elevators on footbridges and so therefore Persons with Disabilities should not go out of their homes anymore because of their limitations. He even had the gall to insinuate that the angry retort of a reporter with disabilities to his statement was inappropriate indignation, saying that if Persons with Disabilities would express anger over inaccessible facilities then they were giving everybody else the right to fire back at them for being a nuisance on the roads. BUT PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES REFUSE TO BE PATRONIZED.

He added that the only remedy he offered for his purposeful exclusion of Persons with Disabilities from MMDA properties while he headed the agency was piety. While there is nothing absolutely wrong with receiving help if one needs it, Fernando must be reminded that all Persons with Disabilities should be allowed to live independently like any other citizen of this country.

A barrier-free environment therefore is not a privilege afforded to Persons with Disabilities; it is integral to the functioning of an inclusive society, where everyone regardless of disability, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or gender is able to contribute to the growth of the economy and overall progress of the country—which is in fact the spirit of all of our disability-inclusion laws such as the 1982 Accessibility Law and the Magna Carta of Persons with Disabilities.

Yet, Persons with Disabilities continue to experience exclusion and discrimination in society because of government officials like Fernando who make sure that we are forced into and remain always in a pit of misery.

As such, the sector demands for a public apology from Fernando and expects the House of Representatives Ethics Committee and Special Committee on Persons with Disabilities to determine the appropriate sanction against him. His blatant disregard for the rights of Persons with Disabilities and his active lobbying against the sector are tantamount to discrimination punishable under the relevant laws. We demand that the House leadership show the values it stands for by reprimanding Fernando.

We likewise call on all Persons with Disabilities to file complaints against or call out the likes of Bayani Fernando. As voters ourselves, we deserve to be represented by leaders who see us, respect us, and fight with us. Any elected official who displays Fernando’s ignorance, insensitivity, and condescension should not be holding any public office.

We are standing up against Bayani Fernando because we hope to see Persons with Disabilities living and thriving in The Philippines. Maraming salamat po at pagpupugay para sa lahat ng mga Pilipinong May Kapansanan at mga kaalyado naming sa Adbokasiya!
 
SUPPORTED BY:

Dr. Mau Mata
Toix Cerna
Cresencia Bisda
Maria Criselda Bisda
Alyanna Tamayo
Regina Pasion
King Ocampo
Kay Anonuevo
Reycel Hyacenth N. Bendana
Reynaldo Refran
Janine Cruzet
Shiela May Aggarao
Ranil Sorongon
Gina Rose Balanlay
Paula Bianca Lapuz
Tricia Mangubat
Bettina Bautista
Rovert Siy, Jr.
Louie Checa Montemar
Abigail Pangilinan
Tess Briones
Rey Refran

ADVOCATES OF INCLUSION
MOVE AS ONE COALITION
SULONG KABATAANG PWD